Examination of the stress level perceived by gynecological oncology patient’s and their caregivers, the social support perceived by the patients and the caregiving stress level of the caregivers: A crosssectional study

Objective: Gynecologic oncology patients and their caregivers often experience high levels of stress during the treatment process. This cross-sectional study aimed to measure the perceived stress levels of patients and caregivers and identify factors related to perceived social support. Materials and Methods: A survey was conducted with 100 gynecologic oncology patients and 62 caregivers at Baskent University Ankara Hospital. The survey included the Turkish translated versions of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), along with a sociodemographic form. Results: The majority of patients had their spouses or daughters as their caregivers (63%). The study found a strong correlation between stress levels and the perceived social support scores of caregivers (r=0.747; p<0.001), indicating that caregivers experience higher levels of stress. Female caregivers reported higher stress and caregiver strain than male caregivers (p=0.021, p=0.009, respectively). Married patients reported less stress and discomfort than unmarried patients (p=0.005). The family sub-scale scores of the MPSSS were higher in married women (p=0.027) indicating greater perceived support from family. The total PSS scores were found to differ by the number of children (p=0.043) with the greatest difference between patients who had no children and those who had three (p=0.032). Conclusion: The results of the study emphasize the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the care of gynecologic oncology patients. It is crucial for future research to concentrate on devising effective interventions that can reduce stress and improve the quality of life of both patients and their caregivers.